Refinery in Green River to break ground this year

Rock River Resources announced plans to build a state-of-the-art crude oil processing plant in Green River.

Rock River Resources has announced that it will build a new state-of-the-art crude oil processing plant and rail terminaling facility in Green River. The Emery County project will require a capital investment of more than $230 million and will provide a long-term viable crude processing option in the region.

Chief Operating Officer of Rock River Resources Jeff Beicker said, "This refinery is an investment in the future of Green River and the State of Utah, putting people and technology to work to help meet the future energy needs of the state and the region."

The first phase of the project is planned to break ground in 2013 and will be operational in 2014. It is expected to employ up to 300 workers at peak construction and once all phases are completed roughly 125 operational jobs will be created. In addition to the direct jobs created by Rock River Resources, the project will bring a significant increase in the local property tax base, increased franchise/corporate tax income to the state and higher paying jobs with good benefits for area employees.

The Emery County project will be among the cleanest refineries in the country and will use state-of-the-art design technology for this type of project. It will use emission control technologies that will enable the facility to meet emission limits that are among the most stringent ever required for a refinery of this design. In fact, due to the minimal emissions, the facility will be classified as a "Minor Source" by the State of Utah.

"Rock River Resources has received strong support from state and local community leaders and we have worked closely with them during the early phases of the project," added Beicker. "Our goal is to be a partner with the community and ensure that the benefits of the project are felt not only in Green River, but across the state of Utah. We look forward to providing options for producers in the region."

The first segment of the project will include a terminaling and rail loading facility that will provide services for local producers for crude terminaling. The terminaling facility is projected to be operational in 2014. The second segment of the project will be a 10,000 barrel per day topping plant that will process local crudes and condensates into naptha, fuel oil, diesel and jet fuel. The topping plant should be operational by mid-2015. The final segment of the project will be a processing plant for regional wax crudes that will produce refined paraffin waxes and lube oils. The wax plant should be operational by mid-2016.

Rock River Resources is a team of energy professionals led by Jeff Beicker and in partnership with world-class energy companies that have years of experience in building and operating refineries. Rock River Resources is based in Houston, Texas. WoodRock & Company and Bridgehouse Capital Operations in London have cooperated in securing a European equity partner for this venture and together will continue to advise Rock River Resources in respect to capital requirements.

The location for the project is near the junction of highway 6 and I-70 in a triangular area that borders old highway 24. The company will host a ground breaking event later this fall to celebrate the project.